Pac-12 blog: Some of the top freshmen to watch in 2013

Eddie Vanderdoes made headlines this offseason after transferring from Notre Dame to UCLA. The five-star prospect could make an immediate impact for the Bruins' defensive line in 2013. (Associated Press)

There are no guarantees in life, just like there are no guarantees when it comes to college football recruiting.

So much is prophesized over a couple of stars next an 18-year-old's name. But who really knows? Not every five-star leaves school early to go pro or even makes it to the NFL.

Sports Illustrated's Andy Staples wrote an interesting piece about this year's NFL draft prospects and how they were rated as recruits.

First-overall pick Eric Fisher? He was a two-star.

No. 6 pick Lane Johnson? Not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, but zero stars.

So while nothing is for certain, here are the incoming freshmen whom I think -- keyword, think -- will stand out most in the Pac-12 this season.

Thomas Tyner, RB, Oregon

Speaking of uncertainties, Tyner's status has been up in the air since the five-star back, one of the top recruits in the nation at his position, was wheeled out of an Aug. 13 practice. He has been seen on crutches wearing a protective boot on his left leg.

Could be serious. Could be nothing. Taking a page from his predecessor, Chip Kelly, Ducks coach Mark Helfrich isn't commenting on the injury.

If Tyner is healthy, the Ducks have yet another explosive ball-carrier who can contribute right away. Oregon's backfield is crowded with the likes of De'Anthony Thomas and Byron Marshall, but the Ducks are all about keeping fresh bodies on the field to run their up-tempo offense.

Advertisement

The 6-foot, 200-pound Tyner is built for speed and contact -- at least the Ducks still hope.

Eddie Vanderdoes, DE, UCLA

I wouldn't call it a coup, but the Bruins certainly made out like bandits when the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Vanderdoes signed with Notre Dame only to change his mind and join the Bruins. The NCAA ruled at the start of August that the five-star prospect will be immediately eligible to play this season.

Vanderdoes was recruited as a defensive tackle but, with his speed and power, will likely be used more at end. The Bruins are already set there with seniors Cassius Marsh and Owamagbe Odigihizuwa, but they won't sacrifice much by rotating in Vanderdoes.

Su'a Cravens, S, USC

A five-star, top-ranked safety recruit, Cravens could provide much-needed support to the Trojans' secondary. He has shown great awareness on pass coverage this offseason and, at 6-foot-1, 215-pounds, can chip in against the run. Some say he could play linebacker.

Jared Goff, QB, Cal

Goff was a top recruit out of Marin Catholic High School and in the Bay Area and looked great on film. He outdueled classmate Zach Kline and junior Austin Hinder in a fierce competition for the Golden Bears' starting quarterback job. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Goff will have a talented group of wide receivers to throw to and should put up good numbers in Sonny Dykes' new "Bear Raid" offense.

Anu Solomon, QB, Arizona

The Wildcats are solid at every skill position on offense except the most important one. Solomon just might move into the top spot under center. He's a four-star and a highly touted recruit among dual-threat quarterbacks. Scouts say he's more than capable of handling Rich Rodriguez's offense after a stellar high school career.

Caleb Benenoch, OG, UCLA

Another four-star, Benenoch is projected to start at right guard for the Bruins, and why not? He's 6-foot-6, 321 pounds and can move well for his size. Benenoch is ranked 18th at his position by Rivals.

MY SLEEPER: Jeff Thomas, WR, Colorado

Thomas returned to practice on Monday, as Buffzone.com's Kyle Ringo reported, after missing much of the first two weeks of fall camp because of a hamstring injury. It was indeed welcome news for the Buffs. The 6-foot-3 grayshirt freshman has good size and speed and looked like a playmaker in spring. He has a lot of catching up to do though.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — The death of actor Leonard Nimoy last week has inspired people to post photos on social media of marked-up five-dollar Canadian banknotes that show former prime minister Wilfrid Laurier transformed to resemble Spock, Nimoy's famous "Star Trek" character. Full Story